Colleague defends the doctor who was attacked by politicians and media after treating a 10-year-old rape victim: 'I have watched all this in horror'

A doctor has come to the defense of a colleague who treated a rape victim who was labeled a liar by some media organizations.

A young patient from Ohio traveled to Indiana to get an abortion because of restrictions in her home state.

Abortions are not allowed after 6 weeks in Ohio. The baby was 6 weeks and 3 days old.

The Wall Street Journal's editorial board and politicians attacked Bernard after she shared her story with the newspaper. A host from the network said the story was a lie.

The Columbus Dispatch reported the rapist's arrest even though Bernard's story was true.

A colleague of Bernard's is defending her in an essay.

"I'm terrified that I or any of my colleagues could soon face what Dr. Bernard is going through," she said. The attention has caused concern for Bernard's safety and the local police are now involved.

When talking about reproductive health care, doctors like to include patient stories to "humanize the often complex legal and medical concepts." The example of how abortion bans impact the most vulnerable is provided by Bernard's story.

Medical providers in states with restrictions on abortion are in a difficult situation. "My colleagues and I have watched all this in horror, in reference to what happened to Bernard." This could happen to us as well.

In a special session of the legislature at the end of this month, strict rules are expected to be imposed, which could include a total ban on abortions.